Transportation & Logistics Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median air traffic controller salary in Los Angeles, CA is $200,575 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$200,575
vs State Avg
+$10,991
vs National
+$63,195
Cost of Living
146%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median air traffic controller salary of $200,575, which is $10,991 above the California state average of $189,584. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $200,575 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Los Angeles spans from $119,720 at the 10th percentile to $289,080 at the 90th percentile — a $169,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $124,100, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $277,400. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $124,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $277,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$124,100
+$39,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$204,400
+$64,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$277,400
+$87,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $119,720
25th Percentile $157,680
Median (50th) $200,575
75th Percentile $255,500
90th Percentile $289,080

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$250,032
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$230,798
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$195,080
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$162,108
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Los Angeles

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Los Angeles, California is $200,575 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $119,720 (10th percentile) to $289,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $200,575, a air traffic controller in Los Angeles earns approximately $96 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median air traffic controller salary of $200,575 is 5.8% above the California state average of $189,584. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $200,575 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Los Angeles? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.